From a press release issued by Ducati Corse:


Czech GP, Brno
Thursday, August 14 2003

IMPORTANT NEW PARTS FOR DUCATI MARLBORO TEAM

Ducati Marlboro Team riders Loris Capirossi and Troy Bayliss will have important new parts at their disposal for this weekend’s Czech Grand Prix.

Their Desmosedici MotoGP machines will be equipped with a new fairing that features improved cooling, both for engine and rider. The modified bodywork, designed by Ducati Corse’s aerodynamic specialists, has new air intakes in the upper fairing to cool the rider for improved comfort, plus new air outlets in the fairing lower to extract hot air for improved performance. These upgrades should prove particularly crucial in hot weather.

Capirossi and Bayliss will also have a new chassis to compare against the existing Desmosedici chassis. Geometry is unchanged but rigidity has been optimised. New, larger diameter Ohlins forks are also available, as well as new triple clamps.

All these upgrades are thanks to the ongoing dedication of Ducati’s MotoGP test team. Test rider Vittoriano Guareschi has already evaluated all the parts during various test sessions in Italy, and their adoption by the Ducati Marlboro Team should help maintain the impressive progress made by the Italian marque’s MotoGP project.

From a press release issued by the AMA Hall Of Fame Museum:

“The Supercross King” Jeremy McGrath

When Jeremy McGrath is inducted into the Motorcycle Hall of Fame on October 5, 2003, he will become the youngest member ever of an elite group. To date, 285 of the motorcycle industry’s most intriguing and memorable men and women have been immortalized in the Motorcycle Hall of Fame, located just minutes east of Columbus, Ohio on the 23-acre campus of the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) in Pickerington. McGrath will be one of 13 new inductees honored, include racing legends Scott Parker and Jay Springsteen, industry ambassador Tom Heininger and trials champ and award-winning Hollywood stuntwoman Debbie Evans.

During his career, McGrath–who turns 31 this year–won seven AMA Supercross championships, more than any other racer in the sport. In addition, he set two other records: he won more individual AMA Supercross races (74) and more races in a single season (14) than any other person. McGrath holds 11 major championship titles. He was also twice selected to represent the United States on the Motocross des Nations team. McGrath caught the racing bug at the age of 11 when he started competing in Bicycle Motocross (BMX) competitions. At the age of 17, he traded pedal power for two-stroke engines and began racing motocross as a privateer. He turned pro in 1989. In 2003, McGrath retired from Supercross competition and began a new career on the growing Supermotard circuit. This season, McGrath is competing for Team Troy Lee Designs, aboard a Honda, in the AMA Red Bull Supermoto Championship.

In addition to his amazing string of victories, McGrath has inspired thousands of young men and women to pursue their championships dreams. Motivated by a pure passion for the sport and a rigorous work ethic instilled in him by his parents, McGrath carved his way to the very pinnacle of racing success.

The annual Motorcycle Hall of Fame Induction ceremony takes place at 2 p.m., Sunday, October 5 at the Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum. The ceremony is the highlight of a two-day celebration that starts with a Saturday, October 4 evening reception at the Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum, open to the public ($15 per person, RSVP required). On Sunday, visitors can enjoy the country’s most exclusive showcase of classic motorcycles at the Motorcycle Hall of Fame Concours d’Elegance, featuring over 100 rare vintage bikes. Additional activities include an autograph session with the inductees and a motorcycle art showcase featuring internationally acclaimed bronze artist and sculptor Jeff Decker and licensed Harley-Davidson artists David Uhl and Scott Jacobs. All Sunday, October 5 events are open to the public. Visitors can also tour the Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum’s extensive new exhibit, “Heroes of Harley-Davidson, presented by Progressive Motorcycle Insurance.”

Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

By Bruce Wilkins

Unusual events often occur in the waning minutes of testing sessions and this week’s AMA Superbike session at Virginia International Raceway was no exception. On Tuesday, 15 minutes before the second thunderstorm of the day, factory Yamaha rider Jason DiSalvo powered off from the pits for his first-ever venture on a Formula Xtreme bike.



DiSalvo jumped at the impromptu chance to pilot teammate Jamie Hacking’s Graves Yamaha, putting in seven laps before approaching rain shut practice down for the second and final time of the day. His initial lap was just a “get-acquainted” cruise in the 1:38 range, but he recorded a 1:31 on his last lap, despite raindrops beginning to fall on the backside of VIR’s North Course.

The 19-year-old New York native came to a halt amid smiles of the Yamaha camp, not the least of which was from his relieved mother, Connie. Of course, the biggest smile of all was from Jason himself, who was clearly exuberant over the power and style of the bike.

“It was my first time on a Formula Xtreme bike, so I was just kind of taking it easy out there. It’s definitely a fun bike to ride!” exclaimed DiSalvo. “That last lap I did…the quickest lap I did, I just tried to, like, smooth it out a bit. The bike’s really set up for Jamie, so I had to ride it kind of like he rides. He’s one of the smoothest guys out there, so I just tried to relax, get a little bit smoother, try not to spin tires hard out of the corners, and it seemed to work with that setup. If I had my choice, I’d choose a more aggressive setup. Get that bike sideways coming out of turns, kind of like how I like to ride it with my dirt track background and all.”



There was no open discussion of any future Formula Xtreme rides, just the youthful thrill of a new experience on what he says is a sheer joy to ride. In fact, one of the few problems DiSalvo encountered was keeping the front wheel on the pavement on the frontstretch between the entrance to pit road and the frontstretch’s famous kink.

“The first couple (wheelstands), it was like, I gave it a little tug and then I was having to let off,” DiSalvo explained. “So I was like, ‘I’ll just keep it wide open’ and try to keep the front end down because I wanted to get to top speed by the end of the straightaway and it was still doing it. It was wheeling just a little bit, and actually it just carried down the straightaway, it was really wild!”

His riding coach, Jeff Haney of Freddie Spencer’s High Performance Riding School, was also among the first to de-brief DiSalvo upon his return to pit lane. “This is an extremely talented kid with a good head on his shoulders and I believe he can adapt well to any situation,” Haney pointed out. “Obviously, Jason was just having fun out there, but he showed that despite a setup not for him and this weather, he could quickly record a decent lap.”

DiSalvo’s father, Jim, shared the exuberance of his son. “Oh, Jason was having fun out there, no question about it and I think he took well to the Xtreme bike,” he said with a proud grin. The elder DiSalvo started his son’s career at the tender age of 18-months, towing him on a pocket bike that was equipped with training wheels.

“In two weeks, Jason didn’t want me to tow him by the rope any more,” remembered DiSalvo. “So like today, if it’s got two wheels, no matter what it is, Jason doesn’t miss a chance to ride.”

Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

The new AMA Pro Racing rule restricting who can enter both the Superbike and the Formula Xtreme classes could have a serious effect on the tight battle for the Superstock Championship.

Superstock entrants typically use Superbike practice sessions to set up their bikes, and many Superstock racers also compete in the Superbike race to win more money.

Josh Hayes is leading the Superstock points, but because he is fourth in Formula Xtreme points, he will not be allowed to run in the Superbike class at VIR August 29-31.

Which means Hayes will not have access to 3-1/2 hours of Superbike practice and qualifying prior to the Superstock race scheduled for Saturday afternoon at VIR.

Vincent Haskovec, who is second in Superstock points and ninth in Superbike points, will not be allowed to run in the Formula Xtreme race but will be able to practice on his Superstock bike in Superbike sessions, in addition to the estimated 90 minutes of official Superstock practice and qualifying available before the start of the Superstock race.

The advantage for Haskovec will be even greater in terms of available track time prior to Superstock qualifying. He’ll have two hours of Superbike practice and qualifying to work on bike set up, compared to 30 minutes of official Superstock practice.

“It’s definitely a bummer,” said Hayes when reached for comment Wednesday morning. “We’ve been doing that, running the Formula Xtreme and Superstock bikes in Superbike practice, all along. All of the sudden Mladin and Yates start running their Superbikes in Formula Xtreme practice and other Superbike teams are getting upset.

“I’m one of the ones who gets caught in that net. But then guys who are just out of the top 10 but are competitive, they can still do it.

“I wouldn’t say that it’s fair. But I think that all around it’s a pretty good rule for next year. Just starting a new rule mid-season is wrong. In the past they’ve passed up new rules saying they didn’t want to change mid-season, but then they throw this in, effective immediately.”


See related posts:

8/12/2003 Updated Post: Haskovec Banned From Formula Xtreme By New AMA Pro Rule

8/12/2003 Pick One: AMA Pro Racing Limits Superbike/FX And Supersport/Superstock Entries

Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

The new AMA Pro Racing rule restricting who can enter both Superbike and Formula Xtreme races at AMA Nationals was never discussed by the Road Racing Advisory Board.

That’s the word from several Advisory Board members contacted by Roadracingworld.com, who said that the subject was never brought up in a meeting.

The Advisory Board last met at the Brainerd AMA Superbike National.

The rule was not posted on the Riders Only section of the AMA Pro Racing website for comment, and affected riders had no chance to comment on the rule prior to its taking immediate effect.

The immediate change in rider eligibility rules with only two races left in the season is unprecedented.

See related posts:

8/13/2003 New AMA Rule Will Penalize Hayes In Superstock Championship Battle

8/12/2003 Updated Post: Haskovec Banned From Formula Xtreme By New AMA Pro Rule

8/12/2003 Pick One: AMA Pro Racing Limits Superbike/FX And Supersport/Superstock Entries





And now, a reader comments:

FIRST PERSON/OPINION

Via e-mail:

I just want to say that I think it is typical of the AMA’s capricious attitude towards rule-making that they break out with this entrance requirement folly mid-season with no advance warning.

They are obviously trying to do this quietly or they would have posted something in the news on their website. I found no mention of this change when I visited it late this evening. It almost seems like they don’t want anyone to know about it….

Shameful….

Mark A. Busse
Fan and Cornerworker
Minneapolis, Minnesota

From a press release issued by the Kevin Schwantz Suzuki School:

Schwantz Wins Again in Germany

Former world Grand Prix champion Kevin Schwantz remembers his pair of GP victories at the famed Nurburgring racetrack fondly, but for the thousands of fanatical German fans who turned out to welcome Schwantz’s return to the circuit this August, it was like he won them only yesterday. Suzuki Deutschland brought Schwantz and his Kevin Schwantz Suzuki School crew across the Atlantic to teach four of their world-renowned KSSS 2-Day schools in Germany, the final school (which sold out in less then four days) taking place as part of IDM Superbike weekend (Germany’s national championship series) at the Nurburgring circuit.

“This was the first time at the Nurburgring for all my instructors,” said Schwantz, “and they were really excited as they rode a few laps around the old Nurburgring Nordschliefe (or north course, which is over 13 miles long with more than 90 corners) on their Suzuki SV650s and SV1000s. It was a fun weekend including some promotions for Suzuki signing autographs, riding a few parade laps and such.” The autograph lines stretched to over 100 people and often grew in length until after an hour of signing, Schwantz was forced to make a hasty retreat to rest his writer-cramped hand. Recalling the crowds, which brought not only photos, posters and t-shirts for the champ to sign, but several Lucky Strike-replica Suzukis as well, Schwantz shakes his head and smiles, “It is amazing to me that what I did ten years ago, on Suzuki’s Grand Prix bikes, people still remember like it was yesterday.”

Schwantz and his KSSS crew also attended the Sachsenring Grand Prix. “It is always a joy going to a Grand Prix,” said Schwantz. “Of course, I wish the Suzuki Grand Prix effort was going better but it’s great to see all the fans and sign autographs and see all the people I met throughout my racing career.” While there was a virtual sea of spectators in the stands wearing yellow Valentino Rossi shirts, there were still a surprising number of fans wearing Schwantz Lucky Strike Suzuki shirts and hats with his signature Number 34 on them – in fact, they are still being sold at the official Dorna souvenir stands alongside all the current GP stars.

“The German students were really pleasant to work with and very dedicated learners, many of whom listened through translators,” said Schwantz. “My staff did a particularly good job — especially my on-track instructors – working in a different environment, with different people and on different tracks. I think it takes extra dedication to teach people who don’t understand every word you say and they all did a swell job. Our students varied from accomplished racers to a few new riders with less than a year of riding experience — one of whom won the Michelin Most-Improved Student Award that we hand out at every school, earning the student a free set of Michelin motorcycle tires. Our curriculum is divided into Advanced and Street levels for all experience levels.”

“Mr. Poensgen and all the members of Suzuki Deutschland did an incredible job helping us make things run smoothly,” said Schwantz. “Our new friends from the Motorrad Action Team did an outstanding job for us as well, organizing the venues and providing us with three great German guest on-track instructors. After three weeks and eight school days in Germany I think our European KSSS experience was a winner and I hope we get the opportunity to go back again next year.”

For more information about Schwantz’s school schedule and future plans visit schwantzschool.com and kevin-schwantz.com.

From a press release issued by FRA:

Special Announcement!

California Speedway, Yamaha Motorcycles, and FASTRACK RIDERS Association are proud to announce “Deployed Troops Appreciation Day”!

In an effort to show our true gratitude to all the men and women who were deployed during the recent Operation Iraqi Freedom, we want to say “THANK YOU” for the sacrifices you made on our behalf.

To that end, we are offering on a first-come, first-served basis a FREE TRACK DAY to the first 75 military riders that served in Operation Iraqi Freedom. The event will be at the beautiful California Speedway on the exciting and challenging AMA Track. It is sponsored by Yamaha Motorcycles, FASTRACK RIDERS Association, and California Speedway who are all making the contributions necessary to make this event possible.

EVENT DATE IS: Friday, AUGUST 29, 2003


Rules & Requirements:

1. Rider must have been deployed for Operation Iraqi Freedom.

2. Rider must have current valid motorcycle operators license.

3. Rider must have a motorcycle (please give specifics on bike when registering).

4. All Fastrack Riders Association rules and regulations apply.

5. If a rider has never ridden on a track before, they must attend an FRA Safety School which is the same day of the event. The cost for the class is $75, and is a $125 value. We will limit the class to a maximum of 20 riders.

6. Rider must have verification they were deployed for the Operation Iraqi Freedom. (We will outline this requirement within a few days)

7. Each rider will be required to Call to Register: 877-560-2233. Faxed orders will not be accepted.

8. Rider must be an experienced rider with a minimum of one year’s riding experience, and have proper riding gear including DOT-, SNELL-approved full face helmet, proper motorcycle riding gloves, full leathers or ballistic nylon riding suits with armor that zip together (if not one piece), and proper riding boots that cover the ankles and are not slip ons.

All types of bikes are allowed, but to truly enjoy the AMA Track it is best to have a sportbike. Please verify that your bike can be ridden at California Speedway when registering.

Leathers are available for rent on a first come first served basis at the rate of $95.00. Rider must give height, weight, waist size, and sport jacket size. Fastrack Riders only has ten suits available, so be sure to reserve in advance.

Check out our web site for all the specific details for bike and rider preparation!

www.fastrackriders.com
[email protected]
Call Now to Sign Up! Toll-Free (877) 560-CAFE (-2233)

From a press release issued by Foggy Petronas Racing:

Foggy PETRONAS Racing search for new rider

Foggy PETRONAS Racing will not seek to retain the services of James Haydon when his contract expires at the end of the current 2003 season. Haydon was signed at the beginning of the 2002 season to join Troy Corser in developing the FP1 – the Malaysian superbike.

The 28-year-old was denied the chance of any track action in 2002, when the team’s debut was delayed until this year. But James has since struggled to find a balance between his riding style and the new bike at a succession of new circuits on the World Superbike calendar.

Team owner Carl Fogarty said: “I genuinely feel sorry that this has not worked out for James. I signed him because of his aggressive style and determined nature but, for whatever reason, this has not suited our bike. While Troy raves about the handling of the FP1, James has clearly struggled to find a set-up that works for him.

“Circumstances have been difficult, as he has been competing at a number of new circuits, which is never easy. And he has had bad luck at times, such as the two crashes at Laguna, neither of which were his fault. We all hope that he goes on to recreate the kind of form and results which attracted us to him in the first place.

“We will now start the search for a replacement to work alongside Troy, who has another year of his contract to run, in challenging for wins next year.”

James said: “It has been a difficult two seasons. To sit out and be a spectator to WSB in 2002 was probably the hardest job I have ever had to do. To then attempt to find a set-up on the new bike on a race by race basis rather than through testing has not been ideal, but I feel Brands helped a lot. I look forward to my last three races and finishing the season on a high.

“I know the FP1 has the potential to be a winner and I wish PETRONAS and the team all the best for the future.”

Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Purse for the AMA Suzuki Lightning Nationals at Virginia International Raceway, August 29-31.

Chevy Trucks Superbike
$75,000 total purse
Half paid for each of two Superbike races
1. $8000
2. $6000
3. $4500
4. $3600
5. $3200
6. $3050
7. $2950
8. $2850
9. $2750
10. $2650
11. $2600
12. $2500
13. $2400
14. $2300
15. $2200
16. $2100
17. $2050
18. $2000
19. $1950
20. $1900
21. $1600
22. $1500
23. $1400
24. $1300
25. $1200
26. $1100
27. $950
28. $850
29. $700
30. $600
31. $550
32. $500
33. $450
34. $400
35. $350


MBNA 250 Grand Prix, Pro Honda Oils U.S. Supersport, Lockhart Phillips USA Formula Xtreme, Genuine Suzuki Accessories Superstock
$10,000 paid for each class
1. $1500
2. $1200
3. $900
4. $700
5. $650
6. $600
7. $525
8. $475
9. $425
10. $400
11. $375
12. $350
13. $325
14. $300
15. $275
16. $250
17. $225
18. $200
19. $175
20. $150

From a press release issued by RPS:

Racing Performance Services opens with over a dozen wins and podium finishes

On August 9th & 10th, Racing Performance Services provided suspension support at its first “official event” held at Pueblo, Colorado by the MRA. The result was over a dozen wins and podium finishes. Racer winners and top finishers Glenn Conser, Tyler Jones, Patrick Lansu, Bryan Hanson, and Brad Hendry lead the list of riders who utilized suspension services provided by Marcus McBain and RPS.

Racing Performance Services is a new company that is the evolution of various services provided by Marcus McBain. RPS provides suspension support, engine services, and riding school curriculum for racers who would like to improve their performances. RPS is based out of Houston, Texas and provides service in the Texas & Colorado regions. With over 16 years racing experience, RPS is a qualified solution for racers and track day riders.

Riders who were previously sponsored by Marcus McBain will now receive support under the RPS umbrella. RPS will continue support for CMRA racer Mark Delano in his efforts to capture 9 regional titles in the highly competitive CMRA SuperStock, SuperBike, and Grand Prix classes. Utilizing suspension optimized by Marcus McBain, Mark Delano has over 40 wins and has won more than 60% of the races he has entered!

Racers who would like more information about RPS may go to www.roadracinghelp.com or e-mail [email protected].